Table 1 The targets and functions of histone acetyltransferases (HATs)

Histones: H2A, H2B, H3, H4

All families

• Increase chromatin accessibility

• Promote transcription activation [29, 39, 40]

Transcription factors (e.g. p53, STAT3, c-Myc, cyclins, PTEN)

GNATs (KAT2A, KAT2B)

CBP/EP300

MYST (KAT5)

• Increase or decrease the affinity of transcription factors to DNA (site-dependent) [40, 41]

• Promote interaction and transactivation [40, 42]

• Prevent or promote ubiquitination and degradation [40]

Nuclear receptors

CBP/EP300

MYST (KAT5)

• Facilitate transactivation of the receptors [43, 44]

• Regulate ligand sensitivity [45]

DNA repair proteins (Ku70, ATM)

CBP

GNATs (KAT2B)

MYST (KAT5)

• Activate ATM activity in response to DNA damage [46]

• Disrupt Ku70 interactions to promote apoptosis [47]